Bab 9: Chapter 9: The Weight of Secrets
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"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"
"If you're referring to the fact that you've successfully manipulated Extremis nanobots to increase bone density and muscle mass, then yes, I do."
"It was rhetorical."
"But I chose to answer. Was that wrong?"
Snarky machine.
It's been a few days since the trip to Gotham, and Joe still isn't happy about it. I told him part of the truth—that Ralph and I went to Gotham City to meet Batman. He's still in the dark about me investigating my mother's death, though. His reaction was a mix of disbelief, fear, anger, and… pride? Disbelief about a human-croc hybrid, which made sense. But when Ralph backed me up and we showed him the *Gotham Times* article, complete with photos of Killer Croc, he had no choice but to believe. Then came the fear—that something like Croc existed, and that I was in danger. The pride came when I told him how I saved a busload of people. But the anger? That was from me being reckless and risking my life.
#### Flashback
Joe didn't even have time to form words at first—just a skeptical look when I told him my story. The only reason he didn't shut me down completely was Barry's scientific explanation for the existence of human-animal hybrids.
"Look, Joe, I know it sounds far-fetched, but it's true. Ask Ralph—he was there. Or better yet, check the *Gotham Times*. Pictures don't lie."
Joe sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Barry, never—*ever*—do anything like that again. It was reckless, dangerous, and you could've been killed. Iris and I were worried sick when you didn't answer your calls."
"I know. Believe me, I was terrified. I've never seen anything so monstrous."
"But it was also brave," Joe added, his tone softening. "I don't know if I could've done what you did."
"Just promise me you won't do anything like that again. And at least let us know before you go running off to Gotham or wherever next."
I sighed. "I promise I'll let you know. But if people are in danger, I can't just turn tail and run."
Joe didn't push further. He seemed too tired to argue. "We'll talk about this later."
"Alright," I said, trying to change the subject. "So, what's for dinner?"
He disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a plate. "Tacos. I wasn't sure if you'd eaten, so I reheated what Iris and I had."
"Thanks, Joe." I dug in, grateful for the distraction.
#### End Flashback
Now, I'm in an abandoned warehouse I've been using as my base of operations when I'm not at S.T.A.R. Labs. It's quiet, and more importantly, private. Ralph and Iris know about it—they were surprised, of course—but I needed a space where I could think, invent, and strategize without anyone looking over my shoulder. I couldn't exactly use the CSI lab; August works there, and anyone could walk in at any time. That would be a disaster.
I've cleaned up the warehouse, organized the scraps I scavenged from junkyards, and set up my projects. My laptop sits on a table next to a biometric enhancer, and I've integrated Gideon into every computer I can access. There's one project I've been particularly focused on: Project Justice League. So far, Gideon has located Arthur Curry, a.k.a. Aquaman. I've already got a potential team lined up: Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Flash, and Green Lantern.
"Gideon, pull up Project Justice League," I requested.
"Of course, Barry." A holographic display lit up with the list of candidates.
I snorted. "Gideon, you can just call me Barry."
"Apologies, Barry. However, I do have a question, if you don't mind."
"Shoot."
"Why are you forming a team known as the Justice League? Is Earth incapable of defending itself?"
I paused, considering my response. "Yes and no. The world needs heroes—people willing to fight for it. The galaxy is a cruel place, Gideon. There are beings out there who could be considered gods. Some use their power for good. Others... not so much."
I wasn't exaggerating. Superman, Darkseid, Vandal Savage—each of them represented a different aspect of the universe's dangers. Superman? He chose to be a hero, to inspire and protect. We're lucky he's on our side. Darkseid, though? He doesn't care about protecting anything—just conquest. And Vandal Savage? He nearly succeeded in conquering Earth, and in an alternate timeline, he actually did. The Legends prevented it from happening, but that's something I can't allow. No time travel. Not again. But is it possible to stop it without time travel? Were some events bound to happen no matter what?
"You know more than you're letting on," Gideon said, her tone almost accusing.
Clever AI. I built her, after all—90% of her components scavenged from junkyards, the rest bought with my hard-earned money. I even installed a countermeasure for when Devoe eventually tries to hack her. He may be a genius, but I'm no pushover. A nasty virus awaits anyone who tries to control her, especially those with tech-based powers. I've debated trying to reason with Devoe, to convince him not to use the Thinking Cap. But knowing him? He wouldn't listen. If I approached him too soon, he'd accelerate his plans, calculate infinite variables, and probably figure out I'm not who I say I am.
"You're right," I admitted. "But there are some things I can't tell you."
"Of course, Barry," Gideon replied. "It's up to you to decide when to share the full story with me—or with your friends and family."
"Thanks, Gideon."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone